The 22-year old starlet's contract with the German club is set to expire next summer, and he has become a rumoured target for a host of European clubs including Bayern Munich and Arsenal's rivals Tottenham Hotspur thanks to a series of eye-catching performances.

According to Giulianelli, now Arsene Wenger is looking to pick up the spoils.

Maja Hitij/GettyImages

Speaking to Tribal Football, Giulianelli insisted that rumours linking the Gunnersto Barcelona's Rafinha were overblown, and that Goretzka was the true target.

"I can confirm that Leon Goretzka is the real target. The Schalke 04 player is of great interest for Arsene Wenger, but at the present moment the German club don't want him to leave," he said.

"Rafinha, of Barcelona, is only a second choice and Arsenal management are not so convinced about this option."

Leon Goretzka: Only Kevin Kampl (222) has won possession in the midfield third more times than Goretzka (220) in the Bundesliga since Aug 15 pic.twitter.com/wMGiIWwKgt

The young German scored five goals, to go with five assists in 30 Bundesliga appearances last season, whilst also netting three goals in nine Europa League contests. Through this impressive form, the Schalke star has acquired several suitors.

Among them are Arsenal - as well as Premier League rivals, Liverpool. However, the German club have so far been unwilling to part with the midfielder this summer.

Should Wenger and the Gunnerssomehow procure Goretzka's services, he would be the second signing from the Gelsenkirchen-based club this summer, with Sead Kolasinac arriving on a free transfer back in June.

You May Like

More Soccer

Sign Up for our Newsletter

Don't get stuck on the sidelines! Sign up to get exclusives, daily highlights, analysis and more—delivered right to your inbox!